Wednesday, August 23, 2017

Cinema Summer

I was recalling my last walk down Main Street before the Cinema fire. I had been admiring the neon sign, as always. Thinking of taking a photo, I reach into my bag for the phone. I stop. How many times will I photograph the same thing? Just look. Observe. Admire. The landmark sign gave me a sense of belonging. My town. My Cinema. My community where I walk to shopping, dinner, church or the movie theater. It is still that community, but we miss our sign, our beacon of home.

Express-News and Corrector, Thursday May 28, 1936

Annette Hinkle's new book, Sag Harbor, 100 Years of Film in the Villagetells the story of Sag Harbor's theater and cinema community. Our Sag Harbor Cinema had its Gala open Wednesday, June 3, 1936 at 8:30 pm. Isn't it funny? I don't think of people in 1936 going to a theater Gala at 8:30 at night on a Wednesday night. I think of them going to bed when the sun goes down because they are up at dawn baking bread or something like that. No, they were out for the evening viewing Shirley Temple as an adorable orphan (of course!) being rescued by a bachelor lighthouse keeper who fights to keep custody of the little angel. They tap dance their way to a happy ending. Hinkle interviews local residents for anecdotes, ransacks photo collections and includes theatrical asides. The book is a gem. I can't wait for Book Two.

Since the spring we've been in fund raising mode. We have a plan for a new Cinema Arts Center, keeping the classic design and restoring and recreating a better interior. We only need to raise the funds to complete the purchase of the property from the Cinema's owner of 38 years by year's end.

The site is ready.

Shops are reopening on Main Street.

Matta was the first to reopen followed by Sagtown coffee. Matta hosted a show by artist, Erica Lynn-Huberty of works repurposing salvaged smoke and water "seasoned" fabric from Matta. Huberty has one of these works in the upcoming Paddle8 Art Auction for the Cinema. It is currently on display at Estia's with 37 other works that have been donated to raise funds for the Cinema.

During this fundraising process so many people have volunteered their time and given their treasure. This week the Cinema's eBay for Charity auction went live. I am amazed at the VIPs who have donated the gift of their time to raise funds for the Cinema.

If this is not enough fabulousness there is a South African Safari and stay in Provence and much MOREto bid on.Do check out the list. So many of the experiences are really priceless. I have my items picked out if I win Powerball tonight ;)

All of the drum beating, begging and cajoling for money will end as soon as $8 million is raised or 12/31/17 occurs. Then... I hope.... if the efforts succeeds, we can get the rebuilding started and our Sag Harbor Cinema sign back where it belongs.

I'm a very big fan of theatre restoration. It cuts me to the quick to see an old theatre torn down when it could be restored. I'm thrilled you have such good support and many high fives to you for all you are doing!